What is Private Browsing?
Browsers support a privacy feature called a private browser, or most widely known as:
Incognito mode in Chrome
InPrivate mode in Edge
Private Mode in Safari
Explanation of Private Browsing
Private browsing will not save your browsing history, cookies, data, and any information entered. However, it will save any files that you have downloaded and any bookmarks that you have saved during that browsing session. Incognito mode does not mean that you are searching the web with no one watching, since your employer, school, and internet service provider can still see your activity and track your IP address. If you want more privacy protection, you can use a VPN. (Go to my blog post to learn more about VPNs)
With all that said, in what situations should you use a private browsing session?
When you want to sign into multiple accounts
For example, if you go to sign into your email when you are regularly browsing, it will normally keep you logged into an account. Instead of signing out and into different accounts, you can use a private mode.
Avoid auto-fill suggestions and targeted ads
In a regular browsing session, you will get ads and auto-fill suggestions that are targeted to you and match your browsing history. In incognito mode, you will get an authentic browsing session since it is not trying to persuade you to go to other sites you may like.
Booking travel plans
Some travel companies keep track of what you’ve searched for recently and will increase prices the next time you visit the site. Avoid price increases by using Incognito mode.
View a site as an outside
View websites and your own personal websites/social media sites as an outsider. This can be beneficial if you want to search yourself and see what would come up for someone else searching your name.
How to go into Incognito Mode in Chrome
Do the keyboard commands:
Windows: Ctrl + Shift + Letter ‘N’
Mac: Command + Shift + Letter 'N'
OR
Click the 3 vertical dots at the top right, click New incognito window.
How to use InPrivate window in Edge
Right-click the Microsoft Edge logo in the taskbar and select New InPrivate window.
In Microsoft Edge, right-click a link and select Open link in InPrivate window.
In Microsoft Edge, select Settings and more > New InPrivate window
How to get Private Window in Safari
On Mac:
Open Safari
Select File from the Safari menu bar
Choose ‘New Private Window’. You can also input the keyboard shortcut Shift + Command + N.
Safari will open a new Private Browsing window.
On iOS device:
Open Safari on your iOS Device
Tap the new page button .
Tap Private in the bottom left corner
Tap Done.
